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California

Solar Panel Cost in California: Get 3 Free Quotes From Top Solar Companies in 2024

Thinking about going solar in California? Learn about whether solar is worth it in California, your potential savings by going solar and get 3 free quotes from the best solar companies in California.
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Going Solar in California

Why having solar panels is a good idea in California

By going solar, you help create an emission-free world of tomorrow, become energy independent, and save hard-earned money on your next energy bill.

Contact us now and we match you with the top solar companies in California, guaranteed 100% free of charge.

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Benefits of solar in California

Continue reading this page to get an in-depth overview of why we think that solar is a good idea in California, but here we list you the top 4 reasons to install solar panels:

Save money

In the last few years, the cost of solar in California has dropped to record-lows, making solar a very attractive source of electricity. According to our data, installing 12 kW of solar saves the average household in California up to $4,520 - $11,300 on yearly energy bills.

Create your own electricity

On average, U.S. electricity consumers experience 7 hours of power interruption per year. With solar panels on your roof, outages are a thing of the past and you will become energy independent.

Increase your home value

Did you know that solar panels increase your home value? Statistics show that a solar system increases your home value by 4.1% on average.

Contribute to an emission-free world

Every kWh of solar energy means 0.846 lbs less carbon emitted into the atmosphere. A standard 10 kW system saves the equivalent of the weight of 49 F-150 pickup trucks throughout its lifetime.

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Other Reasons Why California is a Great Place for Solar

There are many unique features, that make California an excellent place for going solar.
6.37 GW

added Solar Capacity 2023

In 2023, California added 6.37 GW in solar capacity. This is enough to power approximately 795,832 houses.

53%

Price Drop / last 10 Years

Over the past decade, the cost of solar energy in California has witnessed a significant drop of 53%.

1st

National Solar Ranking

As per the national solar ranking, California has proven its dedication to harnessing solar energy effectively.

22.20 M

affected by Blackouts

Over the past years 22.20 M residents in California were affected by power outages.

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Is solar worth it in California?

Going solar helps you to save a lot of money on your annual energy bill. On average, our data shows that you can expect to save between $4,520 - $11,300 per year, depending on the solar system size and your location.

System SizeAverage
Yearly Output
Potential
Yearly Savings
8 kW
13,921 kWh
$ 4,520
12 kW
20,881 kWh
$ 6,780
16 kW
27,842 kWh
$ 9,040
20 kW
34,802 kWh
$ 11,300
* (Be aware that these numbers represent the average solar panel cost in California and may be different from your location due to numerous factors such as roof size and roof angle)

State-wide solar incentives in California

NameTerritoryIncentive TypeDetails
Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System
California
Property Tax Incentive
Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts
California
PACE Financing
Sales and Use Tax Exclusion for Advanced Transportation and Alternative Energy Manufacturing Program
California
Industry Recruitment/Support
Energy Efficiency Financing for Public Sector Projects
California
Loan Program
Partial Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Agricultural Solar Power Facilities
California
Sales Tax Incentive
Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT)
California
Feed-in Tariff
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Electric Power Generation and Storage Equipment
California
Sales Tax Incentive
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
Federal
Personal Tax Exemption
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
Federal
Corporate Depreciation
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
Federal
Corporate Tax Exemption
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Federal
Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
Federal
Grant Program
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
Federal
Grant Program
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Federal
Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
Federal
Loan Program
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
Federal
Loan Program
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Federal
Loan Program
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
Federal
Grant Program
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Federal
Loan Program
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How much do solar panels cost in California?

Currently, the price per watt for solar panels is $2.65/W in California. Given the average solar system size of 8 kW, this means that your solar panel cost is around $21,206 in California (latest data: August 2024).*

Taking state and federal incentives into account, you can expect to save further 30% of the initial cost, bringing the cost of solar in California down to $14,844 (installation size: 8 kW).


$20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0
Good price Average price Expensive price

About the diagram: The diagram shows the average price for an 8kW solar installation in California after the 30% federal tax incentive deduction. Get 3 free quotes from Quote For Solar and potentially save up to $2,351 compared to the average solar installation cost in California ("Good price").

Solar panels in California at one glance

Is It worth it to go solar in California?

Yes, it is. Depending on how many solar panels you have and the location of your home, our data shows that you can save up to $4,520 - $11,300 on your yearly energy bill.

How much do solar panels cost in California?

Currently, the price per watt for solar panels is $2.65 in California. An average 8 kW solar system costs therefore around $21,206 before incentives and $14,844 after accounting for the 30% investment tax credit (ITC).

Are there solar incentives for California?

Yes, there are various country-wide and state-specific incentives for going solar. For California, the federal tax incentive amounts to 30%. Check out our article to learn more about the incentives and rebates in your state.
Yes, solar panels do work in California during winter but you will typically see less output than in the warmer months. Our partners will help you to find the right system size for the whole year.
On average, our customers have their solar installation completed in 6 to 8 weeks after they have been contacted by our partners.
That depends on your financial situation. Generally speaking, there are several finance options for solar panels in California and almost always you can finance your solar system for $0 down.
California is currently the only state that requires solar systems on new construction projects. There are legislations being drafted to expand this policy throughout other states.
No, solar installations are tax exempt in California. That means that you can boost your home value by going solar while your property tax base remains the same.
No, solar currently isn’t tax exempt in California. Considering the expected savings it’s still a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
Why You Should Choose Quote For Solar

Get 3 Quotes From Reviewed Solar Installers Fast!

For homeowners wishing to install solar energy on their properties, Quote For Solar is the ideal service.

Quote For Solar offers a free and easy single inquiry format for homeowners to obtain multiple offers from local solar companies for their installation needs.

Solar Companies will compete with each other to win your business, which can increase your savings. In addition, you are assured of receiving quotes only from trustworthy and dependable partners with a proven track record.

Furthermore, relevant advice on selecting the right product and installer as well as tax credits available will be included as part of the package.

Installing solar energy through Quote For Solar can result in long-term savings due to lower energy costs, but with no obligation to purchase, there is no cost to obtain the quotes.

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Solar Panel Costs Across The State of California

Acalanes Ridge

Acampo

Acton

Adelanto

Adin

Agoura Hills

Agua Dulce

Aguanga

Ahwahnee

Airport

Alameda

Alamo

Albany

Albion

Alderpoint

Alhambra

Alhambra Valley

Aliso Viejo

Alleghany

Allendale

Allensworth

Almanor

Alondra Park

Alpaugh

Alpine

Alpine Village

Alta

Alta Sierra

Altadena

Alto

Alturas

Alum Rock

Amador City

Amador Pines

Amboy

American Canyon

Amesti

Anaheim

Anchor Bay

Anderson

Angels

Angelus Oaks

Angwin

Annapolis

Antelope

Antioch

Anza

Apple Valley

Applegate

Aptos

Learn More About Solar Offers Across The US 💡